Want to purchase my 1st rifle $750 budget

I don't know too much about rifles but i want to learn and i want to get a rifle as soon as possible. I do have some money but with the economy today i want to spend as little as possible. Is a Savage .243 Win a good rifle to start out with. I would also like a descent to good scope as well. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

You could get a service grade Garand from CMP for that:
http://www.thecmp.org/m1garand.htm

Bill_G

February 16, 2009, 06:28 AM

Ruger mini 14. what a fun gun.

LAK

February 16, 2009, 07:19 AM

For a first gun I would normally suggest a .22; mainly to get the basics down, and for economy of ammo. However, if you really want to start out with a centerfire the .243 is a good choice. Easy to shoot, adequate for hunting most deer with the right bullet in the right place, and ammunition is commonly available in a variety of bullet styles and weights.

So I think you are on the right track with the Savage bolt action. These are very reasonably priced and usually capable of very good to excellent accuracy.

Another I would look at is the Weatherby Vanguard - or the Howa 1500; virtually the same gun with a different brand name.

Oh; break off about $30.00 and get your hands on a copy of "The Art of the Rifle" by the late Col. Cooper.

-------------------------------

http://gtr5.com
http://ssunitedstates.com

rogertc1

February 16, 2009, 07:20 AM

Savage makes great rifles.

http://www.savagearms.com/centerfire_home.htm

Second Amendment Liberal

February 16, 2009, 07:24 AM

ruger 10/22?

Odnar

February 16, 2009, 07:36 AM

Depends on what you want to do with it...

Geno

February 16, 2009, 07:44 AM

You will have to let us know more where and how you would plan to use whatever the rifle:

1) Purpose: hunting big game, varmint, target, fun, all of the above?

2) Location: hunting the woods, plains, both?

Doc2005

gotime242

February 16, 2009, 10:21 AM

Stevens 200 ~$300 bucks

https://www.mainemilitary.com/productcart/pc/catalog/stevens200.jpg

then you have a good bit left over for the scope, other stuff, and ammo!

Harley Man

February 16, 2009, 10:28 AM

I recently bought a Savage 30-06 and with the chepo- scope that comes on it I can put a ear shot on a pig 100 yards away. I feel it was a great deal.
Proud Viet Nam Vet

garyhan

February 16, 2009, 11:49 AM

If your purpose is hunting deer and varmints, the Savage .243 is a terrific choisce in your budget range.

gary

lipadj46

February 16, 2009, 11:59 AM

Well if you want to jump right in and maximize your money on a hunting rifle try a Ruger HM77R Hawkeye 30.06 for around $600 (a Savage will do nicely too):

For around $850 you will have a rifle and scope you will never need to upgrade unless you want to.

If you want a full sized semi go for a Garand from the CMP and a 1000 rounds of surplus ammo. If you want an AK look at a Saiga .308 or .223 for around $450 - $550 and if you want an AR you can probably find a Bushmaster for around $900.

deacon8

February 16, 2009, 12:06 PM

Get the Savage in whatever caliber you choose. The .243 is a fine place to start. I am a huge Savage rifle fan (w/ accutriggers). Just remember...don't go cheap on the scope. People often don't realize how much difference a good scope makes. They shouldn't be thought of as an accessory, but a curcial second piece to the rifle.

NELSONs02

February 16, 2009, 12:08 PM

Get a Weatherby. And one of what everyone else said.

Yo Mama

February 16, 2009, 12:10 PM

Get a caliber that is cheaper to shoot. The gun is the small expense vs. ammo over the life of the gun.

I have an 8mm mauser that I can't afford to shoot. Would rather a 30-06 as around here it's quite cheaper.

gvnwst

February 16, 2009, 12:22 PM

I would get two rifles to start, one savage MKII, a .22lr, it will give yo0u uber cheap pratice, and make you a better shot, and then a savage ro stevens (made by savage) .243. The .243 is a very capable round, and the savage rifles make the best of it. The MKIIs are equally accurate, and fun to shoot. The base model is $100, so you would still have $650 left over to get the centerfire.

RP88

February 16, 2009, 03:24 PM

buy a Ruger 10/22 and an SKS. Should still have enough left over for stripper clips, mags, a few boxes of x39, a couple bricks of .22lr, and a couple hundred bucks to save away for future range trips and/or another gun.

Paladin_Hammer

February 16, 2009, 03:36 PM

If it's your first rifle, start with a bolt-action. You can't really go wrong with them! Yes you don't have semi-automatic, but if your just going for the basics why would you need it? Yes most bolts do not have magazines with a capacity greater than ten, but on a budget of $750 you are not looking to bump fire.

For $750 look into Savage Arms and Remington.

az_imuth

February 16, 2009, 09:36 PM

Another vote for the Service Grade Garand from CMP. They tend to hold their value and usually appreciate over time. Besides that, there are very few rifles out there that are as much fun to shoot as an M1. They can make a marksman out of a novice in no time at all.
http://i498.photobucket.com/albums/rr348/az_imuth/Old%20Album/HRA_RLs.jpg
HRA from CMP

punkndisorderly

February 16, 2009, 10:36 PM

I'd go for a .22 to start off with. Great for learing the ropes. Perhaps a Ruger 10/22 with a sling and set of aperature sights from Tech Sights. Really great trainer rifle.

For centerfire, Savage bolt gun (with accutrigger) in .223 and a good quality scope.

little miss

February 16, 2009, 10:46 PM

yes a 22. should be your first rifle, marlin mod60,about $100 used great buy. then a centerfire

Wesson Smith

February 17, 2009, 04:54 AM

Can't go wrong with this Savage:

http://www.shootingtimes.com/longgun_reviews/savage10_110207/

Minus the scope, it's right in your price range. A perfect first bolt gun, IMO.

Walkalong

February 17, 2009, 10:07 AM

Buy a quality Mosin Nagant long rifle (M39, 91/30, etc.) and lots of ammo. Practice.Yep, a MilSurp rifle and cheap MilSurp ammo is the best bang for the buck going.